Veronica Velasco, a new force in RP cinema

CEBU, Philippines - What makes Veronica Velasco one of the new exciting breed of filmmakers worth looking out for is her innovative style and mature perspective.

Velasco’s diverse storylines and versatility only assure of an eventual shift into mainstream cinema. Her elegant narrative and utmost care in tackling non-formulaic plots make Velasco the perfect choice to handle Star Cinema’s latest romantic-comedy I Do.

The movie stars the popular TV love team of Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee in their first mainstream movie as a screen pair. What makes it a treat to watch is the irresistible combination of brisk, enthusiastic filmic style of Velasco and the undeniable chemistry between Erich and Enchong. What’s even fascinating is the wonderful work bonding she developed with her two main screen stars.

The leading lady deadpans, “Nakaka-amaze siya! Talagang alam niya kung anong gusto niya, she’s very focused. At the same time pag walang work napaka-masayahin and makuwento rin siya. Kaya masaya kami na katrabaho namin siya.”

To this, Erich’s leading man Enchong adds, “and she even let’s us do a scene on our own, then after that we’re gonna take pa…” This means here is a filmmaker whose youth, intelligence and artistic sensibilities are all infused into the movie.

To local movie buffs and followers of the independent film circuit, Velasco is not exactly a newbie. In fact, her four previous forays into the filmmaking business offer proof of how gifted a storyteller Velasco is. She does not only favor out-of-the-box fare but also displays an amazing level of sensibility and sensitivity in the way she handles risque subjects.

In “Prinsesa,” Romnick Sarmenta plays a young father struggling to renew his ties with his estranged daughter. “Last Supper Number 3,” however, is a humorous look at the circuitous path our legal system often takes. Victor Basa and Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson make for an unlikely match in “Maling Akala” as a gay man and a pregnant woman who engage in a marriage charade. In Velasco’s maiden effort, the acclaimed “Inang Yaya,” she brought a heretofore stereotype Pinoy film character as “the nanny” onto the spotlight. That is why not only “I Do” is a film everybody will surely anticipate, its director is also a figure local cinema whose movies we will always look forward to watching.